Drivers warned over conmen operating in Redditch

PEOPLE have been warned not to hand over cash to others with apparent 'hard luck' stories after further reports of a conman operating in Bromsgrove and Redditch who is offering worthless jewellery in exchange for money.

In the one incident yesterday (Sunday) at around 2pm, a Redditch resident was approached near the McDonald's in Clews Road by a man in a silver Mercedes with foreign licence plates. The driver claimed his credit card was broken and was given £10 in return for a ring, which turned out to be worthless.

Prior to that, at 1.40pm, a driver in a silver Mercedes, again with foreign plates, was spotted near the Slieslow Island in Bromsgrove trying to flag down motorists on the A448.

It comes after a trio of Romanian men were arrested last month in connection with similar incidents on the M5 and M42.

They involved men with Eastern European accents claiming they had broken down on the side of the road with flat tyres or having ran out of petrol.

They offered good Samaritans going to their aid, jewellery in return for money which they claimed they would pay back.

However the jewellery turned out to be fake and their contact details given out on business cards were also false.

The men arrested were picked up on the M5 in a white Opal Cavalier.

Officers from the Central Motorway Police Group have received similar reports from as Surrey involving different vehicles.

PC Tony Humphreys of West Mercia Police said: "We are urging people to be vigilant and not to fall for hard luck stories.

"These conmen take advantage of other people's good natures and willingness to help but we advise them not to part with any money if they are approached in this manner."

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101.

Forces have vowed to carry out checks and assist anyone with a genuine problem.